I agree w/ Athearn. They have made good products for years (once you get past the HiFi drive system).
As far as AHM, TYCO, Mantua, Life Like, Bachmann, some of the mid '70's stuff was a bit cheap and did run like a slot car.
The AHM's I have have been "reworked" and are quite reliable. Most of the Bachmann and Life Like are BER (beyond economical repair), except for the Proto and Spectrum. Those are nice pieces.
What I have been telling beginners these days who have young kids, go to EBay, find something decent and reasonably priced and have fun.
This way, if it gets broke, no loss. You also find out if the kid wants to even play with the trains.
As far as AHM, TYCO, Mantua, Life Like, Bachmann, some of the mid '70's stuff was a bit cheap and did run like a slot car.
The AHM's I have have been "reworked" and are quite reliable. Most of the Bachmann and Life Like are BER (beyond economical repair), except for the Proto and Spectrum. Those are nice pieces.
What I have been telling beginners these days who have young kids, go to EBay, find something decent and reasonably priced and have fun.
This way, if it gets broke, no loss. You also find out if the kid wants to even play with the trains.